Classics and crossovers at Domingo concert

Placido Domingo will perform in Korea next week. Provided by the organizer

In more ways than one, no one in the history of world opera compares to Placido Domingo.

Often bestowed with honors like “the king of opera” and “the greatest operatic artist of modern times,” the Spanish-Mexican tenor has raised the bar for opera singers with his achievements.

Domingo has performed 124 roles in operas, a record that no other tenors have ever attained.

One may think that with all his accomplishments, the 67-year-old is taking it easy now.

Katherine Jenkins, a classical crossover artist from the U.K., will make a guest appearance at the concert. Provided by the organizer

But with his motto “If I rest, I rust,” Domingo will, in fact, make two more debuts in the coming years - one in “Simon Boccanegra” and another in “Il Postino.”

He is also the sole active performer of the Three Tenors.

Luciano Pavarotti passed away in 2007 from pancreatic cancer, and Jose Carreras has cut back on his schedule.

Domingo will perform in Korea next week, 15 years after his solo recital in the country and eight years after the Three Tenors’ concert here.

“I am delighted and very excited to be able to return to Korea during the serene and beautiful winter season that is upon us,” Domingo said in an e-mail message.

“I truly hope that you will enjoy the music program which I have selected and that the evening will be a memorable one.”

Domingo’s choices for the night include classic arias like “O Souverain, o juge, o pere” (O Sovereign, O Judge, O Father) from Jules Massenet’s opera “Le Cid,” as well as numbers like “Tonight” from the musical “West Side Story.”

Katherine Jenkins, an award-winning mezzo-soprano from Wales, will make a guest appearance.

Jenkins, who debuted in 2003, has enjoyed success as a classical crossover artist, with six studio albums that have sold more than 4 million copies worldwide under her belt.

There have been grumbles that the concert tickets, at between 120,000 won ($91) and 250,000 won, are too expensive, but this has not deterred fans.

Organizers say that they sold 80 percent of the seats in just a month after sales began in November.

Placido Domingo will perform at 8 p.m. next Tuesday at the Olympic Gymnasium in eastern Seoul.

Tickets cost between 120,000 won ($91) and 250,000 won.

For reservations, contact Hyundai Card at www.hyundaicard.com or Club Balcony at www.clubbalcony.com or 1577-5266.

By Kim Hyung-eun Staff Reporter [hkim@joongang,co.kr]